Contact Us

Forensic Science/Biochemistry

Biochemistry/Forensic Science Major

The biochemistry/forensic science major is intended to prepare students to obtain entry-level jobs in labs performing forensic analyses, go on to graduate work in forensic science, or to provide a good foundation for advanced degree work in areas such as chemistry, biochemistry, forensics, molecular or cell biology, or related technology fields.

In addition to a series of typical biology and chemistry courses, supporting work in math, physics and forensics/criminal justice is required. Transfer students are welcome and may be able to complete many of the required courses before entering this program. Students intending to seek entry level forensic positions after graduation are strongly encouraged to enroll in an internship.

Students will complete ten courses plus a capstone as follows:

Required:

Chem 101 General Chemistry I

Chem 102 General Chemistry II

Chem 201 Organic Chemistry I

Biology 111 Principles of Biology II

Biology 360 Molecular Genetics

Biology 135 Biostatistics

Choose one of the following:

Chem 307 Instrumental Analysis

Chem 205 Quantitative Analysis

Electives-Choose three courses from the following:

Chem 205 Quantitative Analysis (if not used above)

Chem 307 Instrumental Analysis (if not used above)

Chem 202 Organic Chemistry

Chem 330 Biochemistry

Biol 334 Cellular Biology

CJ 220 Criminal Justice Systems

CJ 222 Criminal Investigations and Law Enforcement

CJ 343 Criminology

Capstone:

Chem 309 Introduction to Forensic Science

Biol/Chem 319 Internship

Biol/Chem 387 Capstone Course

**Capstone Experience – The department allows students to fulfill the requirement of a capstone experience in a variety of ways. Students can combine a summer research experience (like an REU), an internship, a seminar Biol/Chem 370) or on campus research experience (Biol/Chem 398) with Chem 386 – Capstone Writing and Presentation to complete the capstone requirement. Students using a seminar as part of the capstone experience will need to complete a literature review of a topic explored in the seminar as a basis for their paper and presentation in Chem 386.

*To increase a student’s competiveness for employment or for students planning on going to graduate school in a field related to biochemistry/forensics science, it is recommended to take at least 2 additional electives selected from the following:

Biol 225 Physiology

Biol 251 Microbiology

Biol 340 Immunology

Chem 301 Physical Chemistry

Biol/Chem 398 Independent Research

And all of the supporting courses listed below:

Phil 250 Applied Ethics

Math 151 Calculus I

Math 152 Calculus II

Physics 151/152 or 191/192

Forensic Science Minor

The forensic science minor is intended for law enforcement personnel, and persons in other fields, for whom a basic knowledge of forensic techniques and the science on which they are based would be helpful. Students intending to fulfill this minor are strongly urged to consult with the forensic science advisor.

Students will complete seven courses as follows:

Required:

Chem 101 General Chemistry I

Chem 102 General Chemistry II

Biol 111 Principles of Biology II

CJ 220 Criminal Justice Systems

CJ 222 Criminal Investigations

Soc 210 Statistics for the Social Sciences

Choose one course from the required or elective courses for the biochemistry/forensic science major.

Why Simpson?

Every Simpson student is guaranteed an internship upon completion of the Guaranteed Internship Program requirements. We are minutes away from the Des Moines metropolitan area, and our vast network of alumni and employer partners understands the value of internships to the future of Simpson students.